3 Medical Service Industry Stocks Thriving Amid Workforce Challenges

Why It Matters

These trends give investors exposure to high‑growth, cost‑efficient care models that can offset margin pressure from rising labor costs, making the highlighted stocks attractive relative to a subdued industry.

Key Takeaways

• BrightSpring revenue up 25.6% YoY, Zacks Rank #1.
• Biodesix posted 42% YoY revenue growth, Zacks Rank #2.
• HealthEquity revenue rose 7% YoY, Zacks Rank #2.
• Industry forward P/E 14.86×, below S&P 500 valuation.
• Staffing shortage could cost $1.1 trillion, raising wages.

Pulse Analysis

Digital health is no longer a niche; the global market is valued at roughly $421 billion and is expected to expand at a 10.8% CAGR through 2035. This surge fuels demand for advanced analytics, AI‑driven diagnostics, and cloud‑based data sharing, which in turn benefits medical‑services firms that partner with analytics vendors. Companies that can integrate real‑time insights into home‑based and community care are positioned to capture a larger share of the projected $57.16 billion healthcare‑analytics market, driving revenue acceleration beyond traditional fee‑for‑service models.

The lingering workforce shortage, amplified by pandemic‑induced burnout, is reshaping cost structures across the sector. The World Health Organization forecasts an 11 million physician shortfall by 2030, while the McKinsey Health Institute estimates a $1.1 trillion economic boost if the gap is closed. Rising labor expenses have already pushed hospital wage bills up 5.6%, squeezing already thin margins. Simultaneously, the nursing care market is expanding at a 9.4% CAGR, with nurse practitioners and specialist nurses becoming critical to delivering high‑value, remote, and chronic‑care services, further reinforcing demand for third‑party service providers.

Against this backdrop, BrightSpring Health Services, Biodesix, and HealthEquity stand out. BrightSpring’s Q1 2026 revenue jumped 25.6% and it holds a Zacks Rank #1, while Biodesix delivered a 42% revenue surge and a Zacks Rank #2, reflecting strong demand for lung‑cancer diagnostics. HealthEquity, also a Zacks Rank #2, grew revenue 7% as HSA assets expand. All three trade at forward P/E multiples well below the S&P 500’s 21.48×, offering relative valuation headroom. Their growth trajectories, combined with industry‑wide digital and staffing trends, make them compelling picks for investors seeking exposure to the evolving medical‑services landscape.